But some on the island feel like removing guns and locking up suspects, only to then release them, isn't enough. Especially when the problem is a lot deeper, and may have roots in the police department.
As you heard at the top of the segment, Rodriguez's family believes that rogue cops are involved. And they aren't the only ones. But according to residents, senior cops at the station have been aware of the partnership between the rogue officers and the criminals elements on the island, but have done nothing about it.
Today we questioned the ComPol if he had also heard those allegations.
Jules Vasquez:
"There are allegations by those sympathetic o the, to the deceased that there are rogue police officers who have in fact been, this is the allegation, shaking down these young men for their weapons, for their drugs and working in concert with the other crew, the other drug gang that's out there. And in fact, not turning in these quantities of cocaine, which were handed over. Are you aware of these allegations and do you believe they have any credibility?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"I have not heard any such allegations, to be honest. I know that yes, the police out there has been very active going after these as well as going after those persons who we believe are in possession of these illegal firearms and that's the reason why we're seeing great success coming out of San Pedro from the operation unit, but it is not something that we just dismiss. If the information should come to us, we look at and see this any credibility to it."
Reporter:
"Is the issue of compromised police officers, something that the department is concerned about?"
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
"It is always an issue for us. we have had a number of allegations where police officers are compromised and once the information comes to us and those person with the information wants to follow up, then we go after them and we have dismissed a number of officers for being compromised, but again, we cannot act if those persons with information do not come forward or if they come forward then later when they go and retract the story, it puts us in a position where will not want to be in terms of ridding ourselves of those types of officers."
We'll keep following this story to let you know when arrests have been made.
